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this job's deadline has passed
This job expired on March 28, 2015

Farmhand Positions Meriwether’s Skyline Farm

  • Date Posted January 27, 2015
  • Location Portland, OR
  • Category Agriculture
  • Job Type Part-Time
Job Description About Us:

Meriwether’s Skyline Farm is a family-owned farm located on 20 acres in Northwest Portland. We grow two acres of annuals and perennials exclusively for Meriwether’s Restaurant on NW Vaughn, and keep a handful of ruminants. We use a 96×20’ hoop house to grow greens in winter and hot crops in summer, and a 60×20’ heated greenhouse for starting seeds. We use organic practices to raise a diverse variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers, providing 85% of the restaurant’s produce throughout the growing season. This is our seventh year of production. We are invested in the farm to table model, and believe in its capacity to introduce and familiarize our community with the need for locally and sustainably grown food. A farm manager and assistant farm manager run the farm year-round.

The Positions:

We are currently hiring crewmembers for the summer season. One position runs from March 1st through October 31st, 2015 and the second from April 1st through October 31st , 2015. These are part-time, hourly positions mainly responsible for harvest, packing and cultivation. We harvest on Mondays and Thursdays, leaving Wednesday as a day to catch up on transplanting and cultivation. Compensation is $9.25/hour, plus produce for personal use. Attendance is required on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 am to 5 pm. Some days we may run as late as 5:30 or 6 – depending on the needs of the farm. We have a carpool that runs from NE Portland. Other responsibilities and tasks will include greenhouse seeding, bed preparation, direct seeding, transplanting, pruning and trellising, irrigation, pest/disease monitoring and control, maintenance of grounds, perennial care, and ruminant care. This position requires the ability to operate a weed whacker and multiple hand tools, harvest knives, and hoes, as well as driving a small utility vehicle safely around the farm.

This is a good opportunity to grow one’s knowledge of small-scale organic operations, the relationship between farms and restaurants, and the hard work and rewards that are a result. We are a small operation, so there is a lot of time to work side-by-side, discuss farming-related issues and create lasting friendships within the local farming community. The part-time nature of the position makes it a good opportunity for the beginning or aspiring farmer. We request that all employees have farming experience, from six months to a year. However, we are also open to considering a candidate with less experience who exhibits a consistently positive outlook, a strong-work ethic, is a quick learner, and performs high-quality labor throughout long days in adverse conditions. The farm is a great place for people who are willing to work hard. We work at a fast pace and on a large, diverse scale for the beginning agriculturalist. If you are a person with tremendous energy and enthusiasm for farming knowledge and local food system development, this could be a good opportunity for you.

Position Requirements:
  • Physical fitness and strong back
  • Ability to lift 60 lbs. repeatedly and perform difficult, repetitive manual labor
  • Maintain confidence, ease and awareness around large farm animals and farm dogs
  • Positive, can-do attitude that is maintained in stressful or tiring situations
  • Self-motivated and interested in working hard in the outdoors
  • Demonstrated agricultural experience and/or knack for learning
  • Coordination and agility
  • Excellent active-listening skills, ability to take instruction and suggestions
  • Clear, positive and consistent communication skills
  • Ability to work efficiently alone or in a group (talking with co-workers while weeding efficiently and effectively)
  • Ability to stay alert, hydrated, and efficient in hot, wet, cold, or otherwise adverse weather conditions
  • Come prepared with appropriate gear and clothing for farm labor in varying weather conditions- Interested and enthusiastic in learning about and discussing farming and agricultural methods
  • Outgoing and fun, with a healthy sense of humor- Commitment to entire work season, with the potential for 1+ week of unpaid vacation.
Despite the serious emphasis we put on the hard work and commitment that farming requires, we are a fun group and like to make the work environment fun as well. Agricultural knowledge, connection to land and community, a beautiful view, and plenty of produce are part of our daily rewards.  Compensation this position is : hourly How to apply
This job expired on March 28, 2015
DeadlineFebruary 28, 2015

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